The 2025 NFL Draft is drawing closer by the day. As it draws nearer, fans of the Kansas City Chiefs (and the other 31 teams) will be increasingly bombarded with mock drafts and other draft-related predictions regarding their favorite team. It’s understandable, but these predictions are frequently misguided. One of the main reasons for their failed predictions is that they are far too short-sighted.

While every season there is plenty of attention given to the handful of rookies who make a major impact in their first season in the NFL, those players are the exception. Typically, players need time, coaching, and experience before they are ready to be regular NFL contributors. Added to how Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has spent free agency trying to find short-term solutions to K.C.’s immediate needs, it’s crystal clear that his upcoming draft picks will have much more to do with the future than 2025’s immediate needs.

Over the past month, I’ve previewed a very deep 2025 running back class (the latest being Kansas RB Devin Neal). On more than one occasion, KC fans have informed me that KC doesn’t need to take a running back because they have Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Elijah Mitchell on the roster. However, that view completely ignores the fact that the only running back they have under contract for 2026 is Carson Steele.

I also recently wrote about how the Chiefs shouldn’t feel pressured to draft a defensive tackle early in this draft. While it is another strong class that they may end up taking advantage of, they have been successful at the position with Chris Jones and cheap free agent options in the past. However, with both Charles Omenihu and George Karlaftis coming into the last years of their contracts, defensive end is a much larger long-term need (especially if Felix Anudike-Uzomah fails to take a step forward this season).

These types of things should factor into Veach’s draft picks, as opposed to the immediate 2025 depth chart. So let’s take a second and look at the glaring holes in the 2026 roster.

Chiefs needs in 2026 and beyond

Quarterback

With Patrick Mahomes locked up long-term, any draft pick would likely be a late-round developmental option to be groomed as a backup.

Running Back

As has already been stated, the Chiefs’ cupboard is bare at running back beyond the 2025 season. This draft class is perfect for adding a long-term option, and I fully expect them to do so.

Wide Receiver

The Chiefs currently only have Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy under contract beyond next season, so a third quality option would be wise. I think Kansas City will likely target a wideout in the first four rounds.

Tight End

This will depend on Travis Kelce’s future, but should he retire after this season, they would be wise to add someone to go with Noah Gray and Jared Wiley. However, with two younger options already on the roster, tight end is not an essential need.

Offensive Line

The Chiefs currently have Creed Humphrey, Jawaan Taylor, Jaylon Moore, Wanya Morris, Kingsley Suamataia, Hunter Nourzad, C.J. Hanson, and Ethan Driskell under contract for 2026. However, there is a strong likelihood that Taylor will be released after this season, and Trey Smith will hopefully be extended. That makes right tackle a position of great need moving forward. If the Chiefs really like Moore’s potential at left tackle, it may be the other tackle position fans should be thinking about more in the upcoming draft.

Defensive Line

Chris Jones, Mike Danna, Anudike-Uzomah, and B.J. Thompson are the only defensive linemen under contract beyond this season. Frankly, that should be a primary focus for this draft class. Chris Jones will continue to anchor the interior, but the defensive end position is a huge question mark. Will they re-sign Karlaftis? Will FAU finally earn his draft slot? Will they target another edge player early in this draft? I think it’s safe to assume that Veach will target a couple of players on the defensive front in this upcoming draft.

Linebacker

Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill are both under contract for 2026. Tranquill’s play dropped off a little last season, but unless he drops off more, he could still be a solid rotational piece next to Bolton in 2026. Leo Chenal has been a valuable enough chess piece who could be re-signed. If that happens, there isn’t much long-term need here. They could perhaps use a late-round pick on a special teams/depth linebacker, but I wouldn’t expect an early pick after re-signing Bolton this offseason.

Cornerback

This is another huge question mark. Trent McDuffie is a star, and I’m sure the Chiefs would like to re-sign him, but will the Chiefs be able to afford him? If he were to leave, the cupboard would be frighteningly bare. Kristian Fulton is under contract for next season, as is Christian Roland-Wallace, but that’s it. McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Joshua Williams are all in the final year of their contract. Frankly, even if McDuffie is re-signed, this is still an area of need and could be why some are mocking the Chiefs a corner in the first round. Even if it isn’t the first round, don’t be surprised if the Chiefs spend a top 100 pick on a cornerback in this draft.

Safety

The Chiefs may be set at safety for the upcoming season, but Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner are the only safeties under contract for 2026. If the Chiefs want to extend Bryan Cook, then this becomes a minor need. However, if they aren’t sold on bringing him back, safety could be in play earlier in this draft than some may be expecting, especially after losing a leader at the position like Justin Reid.

So there you have it, Chiefs fans. That’s how Kansas City’s roster looks in 2026. Do you agree that this is a better way to look at what Brett Veach may be targeting in the draft than looking at the 2025 depth chart? Which of these positions do you think is the biggest need moving forward? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.